SPD: Shelter not lacking

After a policy violation, previous Stuttgart Animal Control Officer Jennifer Bayne vacated her position on Nov. 1.

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By Leigh Kreimeier, reporter@stuttgartdailyleader.com

Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart, AR

By Leigh Kreimeier, reporter@stuttgartdailyleader.com

Posted Dec. 4, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Updated Dec 4, 2012 at 10:34 AM

By Leigh Kreimeier, reporter@stuttgartdailyleader.com

Posted Dec. 4, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Updated Dec 4, 2012 at 10:34 AM

STUTTGART

Stuttgart Police Department Chief Mike Smith will be interviewing candidates for the role of Stuttgart Animal Control Officer Wednesday.

But this doesn’t mean the Stuttgart animal shelter is lacking, according to SPD Assistant Chief Steven Bobo. Currently SPD Administrative Capt. Dean Mannis is looking after the day-to-day operations with other officers filling in as needed.

“He has some community service workers out there too,” Bobo said. “And officers take turns going out and checking on the dogs.”

After a policy violation, previous Stuttgart Animal Control Officer Jennifer Bayne vacated her position on Nov. 1.

Up until August the shelter was run by non-profit Grand Prairie Animal Rescue (GPAR). The city took back full responsibility of the shelter and is working on a limited budget, since they had not budgeted for the shelter in 2012.

Nearly $20,000 of bond money has been spent since August to update electric and concrete work, according to Smith.

“Starting next year we will be back on track,” Smith said of budgeting necessary money for the shelter and the animal control position.

The proposed 2013 budget has $64,005 scheduled for the Stuttgart Animal Control Department.

The department has been taking calls through dispatch, which can be contacted by dialing (870) 673-1414.